NORTHAMPTON - Robert J. Weeks, a loving father, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 12, 2009.

An avid Lionel Train enthusiast, known to everyone as Bob, he was a tireless innovator who always found time to help others in need. His gift for conversation, trademark laughter and compassion quickly turned acquaintances into lasting friendships.

Bob spent his childhood on Cape Cod in West Yarmouth, the son of Mary I. (Coffey) and Benjamin E. Weeks III.

He graduated from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in 1970. After serving in the U.S. Army for three years and receiving an honorable discharge, Bob declined an invitation to attend Officers Training School in order to pursue his other interests with former Army friends in Northampton.

Upon moving to Florida as an independent insurance broker, he married Bonnie and adopted her son, Kelly. They had three more children, John, David and Mary. His gift for engineering developed into a business when he and his new wife, Donna, created "The Weeks Express," a company devoted to the reconstruction, historical preservation and sales of vintage Lionel trains.

He sold his business in Georgia and moved to Colorado where he dedicated two years to Bible studies. He was allowed the opportunity to travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, to further his studies while helping others.

He moved back home to Northampton this past spring where he passed away.

Bob is survived by his children, John, David and Mary Weeks of Glennville, Ga.; two sisters, Patricia Weeks of New York City, and Nancy Weeks-Cantone of Concord; and two nieces, Brooke and Haley Cantone, also of Concord.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford St., Concord Center. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritans Inc., 141 Tremont St., 7th floor, Boston MA 02111, or visit www.samaritansofboston.org.

For online directions and guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.